R&B Running Series to debut, promoting mental health and fitness in Sacramento

A Sacramento-based mental health advocacy group will launch a music-infused running event Saturday in north Natomas to raise awareness and encourage fitness during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Deeper Cuts Therapy, which offers culturally sensitive health services led by licensed therapists, will host its first R&B Running Series at Natomas Regional Park, 4989 Natomas Blvd. The 5K and 10K races in North Natomas begin at 8:30 a.m.

Participants of all fitness levels are encouraged to run or walk the scenic route while DJs spin classic and contemporary R&B music, organizers said. A health fair and marketplace featuring local vendors and wellness resources will also be available.

“These events feature delicious food, uplifting live music, and access to valuable community resources, creating a nurturing space for connection and growth,” the organization’s website stated. “Guided by a team of licensed therapists, participants can engage in meaningful conversations and activities designed to promote collective healing and well-being.”

Event registration is available at deepercutstherapy.com. Entry fees range from $25 for a virtual 5K to $45 for the 10K run. Proceeds will support therapy sessions and mental health workshops for Black and historically marginalized communities in the Sacramento region, according to the group.

Why a run event?

Deeper Cuts Therapy co-founders Aron King and Troy Williams said the running event was designed to introduce the community to culturally responsive therapists through inclusive and uplifting experiences.

“In 2023, Aron and I began working on an initiative to provide mental health services to our community,” Williams said. “We began to speak with many men and women throughout Sacramento about how challenging it was to find a therapist.”

“We act as an intermediary,” he added. “Ensuring that communities of color have access to mental health services.”

King said the series was about creating “very unique experiences” that connect people with healing spaces. “We’re not directly offering the services, but we definitely want to create experiences people haven’t had before.”

The effort comes in response to longstanding disparities. A 2022 California Health Care Foundation report found that nearly one in three Black Californians reported being treated unfairly by a health care provider because of race or ethnicity.

“We are trying to address those types of causes and concerns with Deeper Cuts Therapy,” Williams said, “where people are able to connect, embrace themselves and their community, and establish those connections.”

The R&B Running Series is co-hosted with More Nites Like This, Flyte Studio, and Nooma, and is sponsored by Sacramento City Councilmember Lisa Kaplan, who represents North Natomas.

“I am proud to partner and be the title sponsor,” Kaplan said. “It is important to provide spaces of healing, health, community, and mental health resources and I’m thrilled to see this meaningful event happen in North Natomas.”

Local groups expected to join include Black Girls Run It, Black Girls Run, Black Men Run, 916 Run Club, Bunda Sacramento, Black Natomas and Natomas Run Club.

King and Williams said they hope the event becomes a regional draw.

“This is going to definitely be that event where people from the Bay Area, people from the Stockton area … are going to be coming up to be a part of this event,” King said. “I know that Troy has several family members who will be flying in from Atlanta. I have a couple of family members that come from the Bay, even as far as San Diego.”

Williams added, “I think that us being able to bring this here to Sacramento … shines the light on the greatness of this city and what’s possible.”

This story was originally published May 15, 2025 at 10:29 AM.